Method and device for feeding a web

ABSTRACT

Webs of printable materials which are fed into a printing machine are provided with a feed tip that allows the web to be rapidly and releasably connected to a the web feed device. The feed tip has a thickened section which is generally perpendicular to the direction of web transport and which cooperates with a carrier element that is fastened to the web feed device. The carrier element has an oblong cavity which extends in the direction of web transport and which cooperates with the thickened portion of the web to form a stop that is perpendicular to the direction of web transport.

[0001] The invention relates to a method and a device for drawing in a web in accordance with the preamble of claims 1 or 4.

[0002] A device for attaching a web of material to the carrier of a web draw-in device is known from EP 0 118 860 B1, wherein a fastening device receiving the end of the web of material is loosely suspended by means of a loop fastened on the former from the carrier of a draw-in element.

[0003] A draw-in device is described in G 92 15 764 U1, in which a cable attached to the draw-in tip is pushed vertically in respect to the conveying direction into the openings of carriers, wherein the cable is maintained on the carrier, secure against slipping out opposite the conveyance direction, by means of a headpiece of the cable.

[0004] DE 198 37 361 A1 discloses a device for drawing in a web of material to be imprinted, wherein a free end of the draw-in tip is threaded through an opening of a carrier connected with the draw-in means and is made into a loop by means of a hook-and-loop closure.

[0005] EP 0 425 741 A1 shows a device for drawing in a web having draw-in means, wherein a positive connection opposite and transversely to the conveying direction with a carrier arranged on the draw-in means can be made by means of a coupling element arranged on a draw-in tip. The coupling element, embodied in a stepped manner, and the carrier can be connected with each other, or released from each other, by means of a relative movement along the conveying direction.

[0006] The object of the invention is based on creating a method and a device for drawing in a web.

[0007] In accordance with the invention, this object is attained by means of the characteristics of claims 1 or 4.

[0008] The advantages which can be realized by means of the invention reside in particular in that the connection between the draw-in means and the draw-in tip is positive in the conveying direction, which is embodied in a self-securing manner in respect to releasing the connection during the operation, i.e. when drawing the web in. The danger of an automatic and unintentional release of the connection, such as can occur in connection with simply designed carriers, is reduced by a travel limitation on all sides, which is closed to a great extent.

[0009] This is substantially achieved in an advantageous manner by the requirement of a two-step movement, guided to a great extent, of the draw-in tip in respect to the carrier. In an advantageous manner the suspension and securing takes place in two defined movement directions, which extend almost perpendicularly in respect to each other. In a first step, the suspension takes place almost perpendicularly in respect to the conveying direction, and in a second step the connection is secured by an oppositely directed relative movement between the clamping element and the draw-in tip in, or opposite to the conveying direction. The movement, which is guided to a great extent and extends almost perpendicularly in respect to the conveying direction for a suspension in a narrowly bordered forward direction increases the assurance against unintentional release.

[0010] In a particularly advantageous embodiment, a sequence of two defined movements is required for connecting, or releasing, wherein the one movement represents a rotational movement, not occurring in the draw-in process, in a direction R. With this, the connection is insensitive to unintentional release because of fluctuations in the web tension or speed during draw-in.

[0011] In at least one area in which the draw-in tip, or a thickening at the draw-in tip, and the carrier penetrate each other, a first movement is possible only guided along a direction which is predetermined to a great extent.

[0012] Besides a high degree of assurance that the connection will not become undone, a substantial advantage is the rapid and simple operability. Elaborate opening or closing by the use of tools, gluing or threading into closed eyes is not required.

[0013] Exemplary embodiments of the invention are represented in the drawings and will be described in greater detail in what follows.

[0014] Shown are in:

[0015]FIG. 1, a perspective representation of the device for drawing in a web,

[0016]FIG. 2, a section through the device for drawing in a web,

[0017]FIG. 3, a front view of the device for drawing in a web,

[0018]FIG. 4, a view from above on a second exemplary embodiment of the device for drawing in a web,

[0019]FIG. 5, a view from above on a second exemplary embodiment with an inclined suspension device,

[0020]FIG. 6, possible embodiments of a thickening of the draw-in tip.

[0021] Drawing-in of webs, for example webs of material to be imprinted in web-fed rotary printing presses, takes place in a known manner by draw-in means 01, for example such as a chain 01, a belt or a cable. As a rule, the chain 01 is arranged here at the side of the paper web to be drawn in and is conveyed through the printing press, for example on a rail, along the path provided for the paper web. A carrier 02 is arranged on the chain 01, on which the start 03 of the paper web is fastened. The chain 01 is embodied as a roller chain 01 with rollers 09, for example.

[0022] In the example, the start 03 of the paper web is designed as a draw-in tip 03, which is connected with the paper web, and whose free end 04 can be positively connected with the carrier 02 in the conveying direction T. The draw-in tip 03 can be a foil connected with the paper, a reinforced end of the paper itself, a single- or multi-part reinforcement or extension, which is connected in a non-positive manner, positive manner or is incorporated into the material. In an advantageous manner the draw-in tip 03 extends in the conveying direction T at an acute angle toward the laterally arranged chain 01, and is embodied, at least in the area of the connection with the chain 01, or the carrier 02, in a manner which is tear-resistant to a great extent, for example as a metal or plastic strip. The draw-in tip 03 is flat and flexible and has a reduced thickness d03, preferably d03 <1.5 mm, for example d03=0.5 mm, and extends on a conveying plane. In what follows, the conveying plane is understood to be that plane whose width extends in the conveying direction T on the plane of the carrier 02 through the conveying direction T and the imagined position of the web.

[0023] On its free end 04, the draw-in tip 03 has a thickening 06 in a direction which is almost perpendicular in respect to the conveying direction T and acts together in a positive manner with the carrier 02 in the course of the draw-in in the conveying direction T. The thickening 06 can be a raised bump generated by forming (FIG. 6a), a pin or bolt penetrating the draw-in tip 03 (FIG. 6b), or any other raised section, which causes an increase of the cross section of the draw-in tip 03 in respect to a direction perpendicular in relation to the conveying direction T. The shapes of the cooperating carrier 02 and thickening 06 are reciprocally provided in such a way that a suspension, guided to a great extent, and a connection between the carrier 02 and the draw-in tip 03 with the thickening 06 takes place, which is limited in at least five of the six spatial directions, and in a special embodiment of the invention in six of the six spatial directions. A movement guided to a great extent is required on part of the path at least in the area in which the carrier 02 and the draw-in tip 03, or the thickening 06, penetrate each other. Because of the reciprocal shaping, the movement takes place within a narrow angular range. Two examples from the multitude of options have been taken in what follows and will be described in greater detail.

[0024] In the first example, the thickening 06 (FIG. 6c) is embodied as the head of a screw 07 extending perpendicularly through a recess, not represented, in the draw-in tip 03 on the one side of the draw-in tip 03 and, on the other side, as a nut 08, for example fixed against relative rotation, cooperating with the screw 07. The free end 04 of the draw-in tip 03 provided with the thickening 06 cooperates with the carrier 02 of the chain 01 when the paper web is drawn in (FIG. 1).

[0025] At least at its end 11 trailing in the conveying direction T, the carrier 02 is embodied with a slit 12 extending approximately parallel with the conveying plane. In the example the carrier 02 is embodied for this purpose as a two-piece clamping element 02 with a first cheek 13 and a second cheek 14, which are connected with each other by two screws 16 extending almost perpendicularly in relation to the slit 12. For obtaining the slit 12 of a height h12, it is possible to arrange a spacer element between the cheeks 13 and 14, for example. However, the cheeks 13 and 14 can also be offset from each other on their sides respectively facing each other, so that a slit 12 is created when they are brought together. A one-piece embodiment of the clamping element 02 is also possible, wherein the slit 12 is embodied as a sawn cut, for example. In the example, the height h12 of the slit 12 is fixed by two bolts 23, which connect the clamping element 02 with the chain 01 and are arranged between the legs.

[0026] In the area of its end 11, the clamping element 02 has an elongated hole 18 passing almost perpendicularly through both cheeks 13 and 14, which extends at least partially along its length l18 in the conveying direction T.

[0027] The clamping element 19 has a recess 21, for example a bore 21, on its side opposite the chain 01. The bore 21 is arranged in such a way that it connects the side 19 with the elongated hole 18 at the height of the end of the elongated hole which is remote from the draw-in tip 03.

[0028] The bore 21 has a diameter d21, which corresponds at least to the largest cross section of the thickening 06, in the example at least to the largest of the dimensions of length l06 and maximum diameter d06 of the thickening 06 constituted by the screw 07 and nut 08. The elongated hole 18 also has a width bl8, which corresponds at least to the maximum diameter d06 of the thickening 06. The length l18 of the elongated hole 18 is greater than the diameter d21 of the lateral bore 21. Preferably the length l18 is greater than the sum of the diameter d21 of the bore 21 and half the maximum diameter d06 of the thickening 06.

[0029] If the thickening 06 is embodied as a pin 06 penetrating the draw-in tip 03 perpendicularly (FIG. 6b), the diameter d21 of the bore 21 is selected to be at least equal to the length l06, and the width b18 at least equal to the diameter d06 of the pin 06. Thus a lateral interior wall 22 extending in the direction of the length l18 of the elongated hole 18 acts together with the thickening 06 to form a detent 22. The width b18 of the elongated hole 18 can also taper towards the end 11 of the clamping element 02 in such a way that a frictional connection between the thickening 06 and the clamping element 06 is provided by the tensile force in the conveying direction T.

[0030] The height h12 of the slit 12 is at least equal to the thickness d03 of the draw-in tip 03, and less than the length l06 of the thickening 06, so that the draw-in tip 03 can be guided into the slit 12, at least in the area of the end 04, but that the thickening 06, together with the slit 12, and almost all of the entire interior wall 22, with the exception of the bore 21, constitutes the detent 22.

[0031] In a special embodiment of the present example, the draw-in tip 03 is provided with a second thickening 17, for example a casing of the draw-in tip 03 in the form of a woven tape. This thickening 17 on the draw-in tip 03 is spaced away from the first thickening 06 at a distance a17 in a direction opposite the end of the draw-in tip 03. Advantageously the distance a17 is less than a distance a21 of the recess 21, but must at least be selected to be as large as an inner width 118 of the longitudinal hole 18 from the side 19 of the clamping element 02.

[0032] During operation, i.e. in the suspended state of the draw-in tip 03 in the clamping element 02, the thickening 06 is connected together with the end 04 of the draw-in tip 03 and their travel is limited in six directions. In the example, the draw-in tip 03 is positively connected in all directions perpendicular in respect to the conveying direction T and is movable parallel in respect to the conveying direction T, but its travel is limited. In the embodiment having the second thickening 17, the freedom of movement of the draw-in tip 03 in the conveying direction T is additionally limited and, for releasing the connection, initially makes a rotation in the direction R around an axis necessary which, in an advantageous manner, extends almost perpendicular in respect to the conveying direction T. In the tightened state in particular, i.e. during drawing in the web in the conveying direction T, the thickening 06 is also positively, or at least with limited travel, connected opposite a suspension direction E parallel in respect to the longitudinal axis E of the bore 21, which represents the direction in which the thickening 06 is conducted into the clamping element 02 in the course of suspending the draw-in tip 03.

[0033] The clamping element 02 is releasably fastened to the chain 01 by means of the two bolts 23, or screws 23. In an advantageous manner a distance a23 of the bolts 23 in the conveying direction T is a whole number multiple of the distances between the shafts of two roller 09 of the chain 01.

[0034] In a second embodiment (FIG. 4), the thickening 06 (FIG. 6d) is embodied as a bead 06 on the free end 04 of the draw-in tip 03. This can be, for example, a small tube 24 (FIG. 6d) worked into the end 04 of the draw-in tip 03, a pin or a groove (FIG. 6a), formed in the draw-in tip 03 during its manufacture. The bead 06 extends in the conveying plane almost perpendicular in respect to the conveying direction T.

[0035] As in the first example, this bead 06 cooperates positively with an elongated hole 26 in a manner in which it limits travel, and in the conveying direction T. Different from the first example, the elongated hole 26 does not extend perpendicularly in respect to the conveying plane and to the bore 21 through a clamping element 02, but almost parallel with the conveying plane. Over its length l26, the elongated hole 26 extends nearly parallel in respect to the conveying direction T. For preventing the bead 06 from slipping laterally out of the elongated hole 26, the elongated hole 26 is designed to be discontinuous on the side 19 of the clamping element 02 opposed to the chain 01, so that a projection 27 remains on the side 19 as a detent 27. This lateral projection 27 is located on the side of the elongated hole 26 which is closer to the end 11 of the clamping element 02 and prevents the suspended thickening 06 from sliding out of the clamping element 02 in a direction opposite the suspension direction E. The portion of the elongated hole 26 which is continuous on the side 19 corresponds to the recess 21 in the first exemplary embodiment required for suspending the draw-in tip 03. On the side facing the chain 01, the elongated hole 26 can be embodied to be continuous. As a rule, the draw-in tip 03 is prevented from sliding out of this side of the clamping element 02 by the adjoining chain 01 as a travel limiter.

[0036] In a special embodiment, the elongated hole 26 can be designed as an elongated hole 26 which conically tapers in a direction opposite the conveying direction T, which is provided with a frictional connection by the thickening 06, in addition to the travel limitation, when the clamping element 02 and the draw-in tip 03 are moved relatively away from each other in the conveying direction T.

[0037] The elongated hole 26 can also be arranged in the clamping element 02 in such a way that its length l26 does not extend parallel in respect to the conveying direction T, but is inclined in relation to the conveying direction T at an angle u not equal to 0° against the conveying direction T. In the example, as indicated in FIG. 5, the inclination between the orientation of the elongated hole 26 of the length l26 and the conveying direction α is approximately 20°. This embodiment can be selected, for example, for assuring even more security against the thickening 06 laterally slipping out of the longitudinal hole 26, but also, if required, to point in the direction of a resultant line for the tensile force.

[0038] In an embodiment suitable for both exemplary embodiments, the thickening 06 on the draw-in tip 03 is formed in that a ball 06 or a cylinder 06 are arranged on one end of a belt 28 or cable 28, which in turn has been incorporated into the draw-in tip 03 (FIG. 6e). In actual use a steel cable 28 with a steel ball 06 or a steel cylinder 06, for example a Bauten cable 06, 28, is advantageous. When using a cylindrical thickening 06, in the first exemplary embodiment an axis of the cylindrical thickening 06 is oriented nearly perpendicularly in respect to the paper plane, in the second exemplary embodiment nearly parallel with the paper plane.

[0039] The embodiment in accordance with FIG. 6e can be modified in an advantageous manner in that in addition a bolt 29, for example a pin 29, is arranged on the thickening 06 designed as a ball 06 (shown in dashed lines, since this is optional). In the suspended state this pin 29 is used for securing the ball 06 in the recess 18. The pin 29 is oriented for this purpose in such a way that in the suspended end state its longitudinal direction extends perpendicular in relation to the plane of the slit 12. If the recess 18, the bore 21 and the slit 12 are aligned as represented in FIG. 1, the pin 29 extends perpendicular to the paper plane, or to the plane of the draw-in tip 03. If the arrangement is rotated by 90°, the pin correspondingly extends in the paper plane, or the plane of the draw-in tip 03.

[0040] In this embodiment, four different movements, two guided translatory movements and two rotatory movements, are required for suspension. Initially, the ball 06 must be inserted along the suspension direction E laterally into the bore 21 in such a way that the pin 29 is guided through the slit 12 into the interior of the recess 18. To do this, a diameter d29, or a thickness d29, of the pin 29 must be less than the height h12 of the slit 12. Then the ball 06 with the pin 29 must be turned by approximately 45° in the recess 18 around an axis along the insertion direction E. Thereafter, the translation opposite the conveying direction T and a rotation in the direction R around an axis which is nearly perpendicular in respect to the conveying direction and the insertion direction E can.

[0041] The design of the thickening 06 and the cooperating bore 21, or the recesses in the form of elongated holes 18, 26, or differently shaped recesses 18, 26 is possible in a multitude of ways in order to make possible a guided suspension in the suspension direction E perpendicularly to a great extent, or with a component perpendicular to the conveying direction T, and the travel-limiting securing against movements in a direction perpendicular to the conveying direction T. It is advantageous that the clamping element 02 is provided with a recess 18, or 26, which has at least one component of the diameter, or the inner width 118 or 126 in the conveying direction 26, which is greater than the corresponding component of the diameter, or the inner width d21 of the recess 21, which is required for the suspension and is connected with the recess 18 or 26. Because of the separation of the movements for suspension and for securing, a travel limitation is also provided in directions perpendicular to the conveying direction T, in particular also counter to the suspension direction E.

[0042] The mode of functioning of the device for drawing in a material to be imprinted is as follows:

[0043] For drawing in a web of material to be imprinted, its start is provided with a draw-in tip 03, which has a thickening 06 on its free end 04. This end 04 with the thickening 06 is pushed in the suspension direction E into the recess 21, and simultaneously the end 04 of the draw-in tip 03 into the slit 12 of the clamping element 02. By a movement of the draw-in tip 03 opposite the conveying direction T, or of the clamping element 02 in the conveying direction T, the thickening 06 slides in the elongated hole 18, or 26, in the direction toward the end 11 of the clamping element 02. The position of the end 04 of the draw-in tip 03 is thus secured in all of the conveying direction T, or the course of the elongated hole 18 in the conveying direction, against slipping out laterally. After the web of material to be imprinted has been drawn in, the release and removal of the draw-in tip 03 takes place in the reverse order. When removing the draw-in tip 03 with a second thickening 17 at the previously mentioned distance a17 from the thickening 06, an additional relative rotation in a direction R between the draw-in tip 03 and the clamping element 02 is required for the suspension, or release of the draw-in tip 03.

[0044] List of Reference Symbols

[0045]01 Draw-in means, chain

[0046]02 Carrier, clamping element

[0047]03 Start, draw-in tip

[0048]04 End (03)

[0049]05 -

[0050]06 Thickening, bead, pin (03), steel ball

[0051]07 Screw (06)

[0052]08 Nut (06)

[0053]09 Rollers (01)

[0054]10 -

[0055]11 End (02)

[0056]12 Slit (02)

[0057]13 Cheek (02)

[0058]14 Cheek (02)

[0059]15 -

[0060]16 Screw

[0061]17 Thickening (03)

[0062]18 Elongated hole, recess (02)

[0063]19 Side (02)

[0064]20 -

[0065]21 Recess, bore (02)

[0066]22 Interior wall, detent (18)

[0067]23 Bolt, screw

[0068]24 Small tube

[0069]25 -

[0070]26 Elongated hole, recess (02)

[0071]27 Projection, detent (02)

[0072]28 Belt, cable, steel cable

[0073]29 Bolt, pin

[0074] a17 Distance (06, 17)

[0075] a21 Distance (04, 21)

[0076] a23 Distance (23)

[0077] b18 Width (18)

[0078] d03 Thickness (03)

[0079] d06 Diameter, maximum (06)

[0080] d17 Thickness (17)

[0081] d21 Inner width, diameter (21)

[0082] d29 Diameter, thickness (29)

[0083] h12 Height (12)

[0084] l06 Length (06)

[0085] l18 Length, inner width (18)

[0086] l26 Length, inner width (26)

[0087] E Suspension direction, longitudinal axis (21)

[0088] R Direction, rotation

[0089] T Conveying direction 

1. A method for drawing in a web, having a draw-in means (01), wherein the web is provided with a draw-in tip (03), which has a thickening (06), wherein the thickening (06) is arranged on a carrier (02) arranged on the draw-in means (01), characterized in that the thickening (06) of the draw-in tip (03) is connected with the carrier (02) by means of a first, guided relative movement with at least one component perpendicular in respect to the conveying direction (T), and in a subsequent, second relative movement between the thickening (06) of the draw-in tip (03) and the carrier (02), is connected with at least one component parallel in respect to the conveying direction (T) and with limited travel perpendicularly in respect to the conveying direction (T).
 2. The method in accordance with claim 1, characterized in that the first relative movement between the thickening (06) of the draw-in tip (03) and the carrier (02) takes place in a guided manner in a recess (21), and the second relative movement takes place in a guided manner in a recess (18, 26) of the carrier (02).
 3. The method in accordance with claim 1, characterized in that, following the first and second relative movements, a rotation (R) of the thickening (06) and the carrier (02) in relation to each other around an axis nearly perpendicular to the conveying direction (T) takes place.
 4. A device for drawing in a web, having a draw-in means (01), wherein the web has a draw-in tip (03) with a thickening (06), which cooperates with a carrier (02) arranged on the draw-in means (01), characterized in that the thickening (06) of the draw-in tip (03) can be connected with the carrier (02) by means of a first, guided relative movement with at least one component perpendicularly in respect to the conveying direction (T), and can be connected in a second relative movement between the thickening (06) of the draw-in tip (03) and the carrier (02) with a component parallel in respect to the conveying direction (T) and with limited travel perpendicularly in respect to the conveying direction (T).
 5. The device in accordance with claim 4, characterized in that the carrier (02) has a first recess (18, 26), and that the thickening (06) arranged in the first recess (18, 26) and the carrier (02) can be moved relatively toward each other in the conveying direction (T).
 6. The device in accordance with claim 5, characterized in that the first recess (18, 26) is connected with a second recess (21), wherein the component of an inner width (118, 126) of the first recess (18, 26) in the conveying direction (T) is greater than the projection of an inner width (d21) of the second recess (21) in the conveying direction (T), and that the second recess (21) connects the first recess (18, 26) with a side of the carrier (02).
 7. The device in accordance with claim 5, characterized in that in the suspended state the movement of the thickening (06) has a limited travel in all spatial directions, that a first relative movement between the carrier (02) and the thickening (06) is possible with at least one component parallel in respect to the conveying direction (T), wherein the recess (18, 26) has a detent in the conveying direction (T) on its leading end, and that the severing of the connection between the carrier (02) and the draw-in tip (03) takes place by means of a relative movement which is different from the first relative movement.
 8. The device in accordance with claim 5, characterized in that on its end which is trailing in respect to the conveying direction (T), the carrier (02) has a recess (18, 26) and a slit (12), which connects a front face of the trailing end (11), wherein the slit (12) extends in a plane which is nearly parallel in respect to the conveying plane.
 9. The device in accordance with claim 6, characterized in that a longitudinal axis (E) of the recess (21) is arranged nearly perpendicularly to the conveying direction (T).
 10. The device in accordance with claim 5, characterized in that the greater diameter (118, 126) of the recess (18, 26) extends nearly in the conveying direction (T).
 11. The device in accordance with claim 5, characterized in that the recess (18, 26) is embodied as an elongated hole (18, 26).
 12. The device in accordance with claim 4, characterized in that the draw-in tip (03) has a second thickening (17), which is spaced apart from the first thickening (06) and which acts as a detent nearly in the conveying direction (T) in respect to the carrier (02). 